Since introducing my new website in February 2008, I've worked to keep it up to date with news, a schedule, and all my latest releases. So I don't plan to do much with this blog.
Please, please visit my website at www.carolboydleon.com to find out all the latest news, to listen to more than 200 sound samples, and to find out where I'm performing.
Thanks!!!!
By George, It's Washington
Released just in time for Presidents' Day 2008, "By George, It's Washington" is an original, Sousa-like march which sings the District's praises, but does it with more than a touch of humor as it pokes playful fun at a beloved locale.
Of course, a child might not recognize that lyrics about "barking pandas" (yes, they do bark) and "great white columns everywhere" are somewhat tongue-in-cheek, or that the juxtaposition of "no votes but paddleboats" was not seriously made to imply that those are of equal importance... although apparently a few hasty listeners think this is a children's song. These quick-to-judge listeners apparently are themselves thinking like children. Ah, well. I guess that's what makes the world go round.
"By George" is a song for DC residents and "Greater Washingtonians" who, like myself, actually like their hometown or adopted hometown. After all, the many unofficial anthems of other cities come right out and celebrate those cities with lyrics that are positive and earnest. Plus they have memorable, singable melodies and a catchy beat rather than an amorphous line which leaves virtually no one humming, let alone singing, the city's virtues.
I'm thrilled to see the warm reception "By George" is receiving in many quarters and hope that it eventually takes up residence in the hearts of the great majority of Washingtonians.
To hear it in its entirety (for free) and view the "By George" video -- plus to find out more about why I wrote it and about who the musicians were -- please visit my newly redesigned website at www.carolboydleon.com and check out the "By George" page.
Dayenu!
Please stay tuned... in late 2008 I plan to be able to let you know that my new children's haggadah is completed and available for purchase from online and "real" bookstores. The publisher is working with a professional artist to fully illustrate each page with beautiful, full-color, original illustrations. I've finished the text, layout, user's guide, many pages of sheet music for every song and blessing in this haggadah, recorded a children's choir and child soloists, and just need to finish up the rest of the companion recording as this will be a combined hardcover haggadah/songbook/CD. (The publisher is also planning a softcover haggadah so schools and families can better afford to get a haggadah for each child at their seder as I know the kids will want to look closely at the beautiful color artwork.)
So I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel and hope this will be available well before Passover. The songs are a combination of "traditional," Passover "kiddie classics," and some I wrote specifically for this project with children from preschool through around 2nd grade in mind. Even the text is in big print to assist beginning readers. And wait till you see how we handle the answers to the 4 questions. And now everyone will be able to learn how to chant the blessings using traditional Passover nusach.
There will even be a couple of special teaching Mah Nishtanah teaching tracks -- one for preschool, one for elementary school -- which families and also classroom teachers can use to help children get ready for Passover. You just gotta hear the preschooler on that first question!
I'd like to thank everyone who has come here to have a listen to "Virginia, Ever Enshrined" (HB2662) which is currently in the House Rules Committee of the Virginia House of Delegates for consideration as the official state song of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Delegate Dave Marsden is the bill's sponsor.
If you're a Virginia resident and you like what you hear -- there is both a pop version and a choral version to suit all tastes! -- please take a moment to contact your legislators to let them know. I'd really appreciate it.
It’s simple to do. Just go to http://legis.state.va.us/. It's simple to do. Under QUICK LINKS, click on "Who's My Legislator" and type in your address.
Or go straight to http://conview.state.va.us/whosmy.nsf/main?openform and type in your address. You can instantly email both your State Delegate and Senator. THANK YOU!
Welcome to my blog. I've created this resource so that I can easily share music and photos with friends. To find out more about my music, please visit my website at http://www.carolboydleon.com
